Japan Faces Record Population Decline Since 1950

Japan's population experienced a record decline, with the number of Japanese nationals dropping by 898,000 to 120.3 million as of October 2024, marking the largest fall since data collection began in 1950. This decline is driven by one of the world's lowest birth rates, resulting in a shrinking workforce and fewer consumers. The overall population, including foreign nationals, also decreased by 550,000 to 123.8 million, marking the 14th consecutive year of decline. Many young Japanese are delaying marriage and childbearing due to job insecurity and evolving social norms, despite government efforts to support family formation through economic incentives. Japan has sought to address labor shortages by relying on foreign labor while maintaining strict immigration policies. The government continues to promote measures aimed at reversing these demographic trends, including wage increases and child-rearing assistance.